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Measuring Energy Work Effectively in Massage Therapy Research
Have you thought about whole system research (WSR) in massage therapy? Whole system research attempts to measure all the effects of a massage therapy session; including energy work. This is exciting scientific research that is inclusive and collaborative.
Go here for a Wikipedia explanation of WSR.
Every once in a while, I'll copy a WSR abstract for your review and include an attachment to the whole study as they become available and I become aware of them. Please feel free to do the same.
Here is an abstract of a current investigation to measure the effects of energy work in a MT session (you may recognize a couple of the authors).
Main objectives:
1. Evaluate the physical, psychological and emotional effects of MT using traditional paper based measures.
2. Evaluation of the whole-person effects of MT using GDV electro-photography.
3. Evaluate the correlation between the paper based and GDV electro-photographic outcomes.
Title: Evaluating the use of electro-photography for measuring whole-person changes associated with massage therapy
Authors: Jolie Haun, PhD, LMT; Gary Schwartz, PhD; Mark E. Boccuzzi
ABSTRACT
Background: Research has demonstrated the effects of massage therapy using both physiological and psychological measures. However, little research has adequately demonstrated the whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy, often seen by massage therapists in practice. Purpose: This research was designed to evaluate the whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy using electro-photography, Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV). The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the physical, psychological and emotional effects of massage therapy using traditional paper-based measures; (2) conduct an evaluation of the whole-person effects of massage therapy using GDV electro-photography; and (3) to evaluate the correlation between the paper-based and GDV electro-photographic outcome measures. Significance: The findings of this study can identify the feasibility and validity of measuring whole-person energetic effects of massage therapy using advanced innovative GDV electro-photography data. Findings can also replicate the physical, mental, and integrative outcomes of massage therapy treatment found in previous research. Methods: Four licensed massage therapists provided a treatment group of 24 healthy volunteer participants with a single massage therapy treatment. Massage therapy treatments included a 50-minute full body relaxation massage. Each participant provided paper-based data four times, before and after providing GDV electro-photography imaging data which was conducted pre- and post massage treatment session. Standardized paper-based measures included visual analogue pain, muscle tension, and stress scales; and the Arizona Integrative Outcomes Scale, a visual analogue assessment with six scales including, overall wellbeing, physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual wellbeing. Findings: Data collection was completed July 4, 2009. Preliminary data analysis suggests differences between pre- and post- massage session for the massage therapy treatment group. Data is currently being analyzed; statistical findings are forthcoming and will be prepared for presentation.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Ruth, I have been talking to for a while and may be coming in 2012.
I will add the rest of the names to the long list of instructors that have filled out the teacher request forms at http://www.worldmassagefestival.com/instructor.html and have asked to teach at upcoming Festivals.
I can tell you we are booked through 2012 and will start planning 2013 right after this year's Fest in KY.
Kim Goral said:Well, since you asked :) In no particular order...
Bodhi Haroldsson
Janet Kahn
Paul Ingraham
Angie Plamier
Chris Alvarado
Ruth Werner (though assume she will already be there with the foundation)
Chris Moyer
That would be a good party ;)
Mike Hinkle said:Who else would you like to see there?
Kim Goral said:Well, that's why I asked- I must have missed where it said Whitney et al and the Foundation would be there. :) Thanks for the clarification, and I will certainly keep it in mind for attending.
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Permalink Reply by Robin Byler Thomas on
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Yes, maybe you can make the WMF in 2011?
Christopher A. Moyer said:I'd like to meet you too Kim, but unfortunately can't make the Seattle conference. You might have to track Jolie down for us and get the low down on this study.
Sorry to hear you can't be in Seattle - it'd be great to chat in person. Sometime.
And yes, perhaps Kim or I will see Jolie Haun in Seattle. I've had the opportunity to talk with her about a prior research project via email and enjoyed the experience.
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Yes, that's the list where I found the abstract posted; thanks for the link Mike.
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Robin,
You may find some of these useful. http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/postersession.html
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Permalink Reply by Vlad on
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My serious addition to the list by request would be:
Martha Brown Menard.
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Guess you won't be doing any pilot studies in the future Chris.
Pilot studies are not unusual and do serve a purpose people..
Christopher A. Moyer said:Which kind of studies CAM?
Studies of extremely unlikely or impossible phenomena.
I've noticed that the more unlikely the phenomenon under investigation, the more likely the researchers are to approach it with a 'pilot study.' Essentially, this inflates Type I error, the likelihood that one will have a false positive finding. If the pilot study gets the hoped-for result, you've got your finding; if it doesn't, well, you just point to the fact that it was only a pilot study and trumpet the need for 'more research.'
That's my general position on pilot studies.
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You are more than welcome, Robin!
Robin Byler Thomas said:Yes, that's the list where I found the abstract posted; thanks for the link Mike.
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Robin,
You may find some of these useful. http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/postersession.html
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Will add!
Vlad said:My serious addition to the list by request would be:
Martha Brown Menard.
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We've certainly all experienced the psychic vampire on some level, haven't we? Even with clients.
Mike Hinkle said:The History Channel (History.Com) just had a special on Vampires and how the Kirlian, or "aura" photography proved actual body auras and how "psychic vampires" attack and steal a victims energy. It was great!
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Yes, you're right Ricardo, but some of us like to analyze things; including the effects of massage therapy.
ricardo julio guerrero said:DATA IS CURRENTLY BEING ANALYSED? i my gosh, while it is being analysed, it takes no momkey to tell all out their the great benefits of a good massage therapy. the reason we have such an impact on the body is to a large extent the way we are able, like many especialists do, to manupulate the nervoues system. to the point and in a very effecient and safe way, ricardo.
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Good questions Vlad; don't know. You could ask him?
Vlad said:I've a couple of Q's:
Who funded that study?
Is Schwartz going to Seattle?
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Sure, he wouldn't pay attention to me. I'm a nobody. I won't be going to Seattle either, but I wondered if he'd be there since his name is on the study.
I would seriously like to meet him though.
Robin Byler Thomas said:Good questions Vlad; don't know. You could ask him?
Vlad said:I've a couple of Q's:
Who funded that study?
Is Schwartz going to Seattle?
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